Min Aung Hlaing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Min Aung Hlaing
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မင်းအောင်လှိုင်
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Min Aung Hlaing in 2025
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| President of Myanmar | |
| Assuming office April 2026 |
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| Vice President | First Vice President Nyo Saw (elect) Second Vice President Nan Ni Ni Aye (elect) |
| Succeeding | Win Myint |
| Acting President of Myanmar | |
| Assumed office 7 August 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Myint Swe (acting) |
| Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission | |
| Assumed office 31 July 2025 |
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| Deputy | Soe Win |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Pro Tem President of Myanmar (On Duty) | |
| In office 22 July 2024 – 7 August 2025 |
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| President | Myint Swe (acting) |
| Prime Minister | Himself Nyo Saw |
| 12th Prime Minister of Myanmar | |
| In office 1 August 2021 – 31 July 2025 |
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| President | Myint Swe (acting) Himself (On Duty) |
| Preceded by | Office re-established; Thein Sein (2011) |
| Succeeded by | Nyo Saw |
| Chairman of the State Administration Council | |
| In office 2 February 2021 – 31 July 2025 |
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| Deputy | Soe Win |
| Preceded by | Aung San Suu Kyi (as State Counsellor of Myanmar) |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services | |
| In office 30 March 2011 – 30 March 2026 |
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| President |
See list
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| Deputy | Soe Win |
| Preceded by | Than Shwe |
| Succeeded by | Ye Win Oo |
| Joint Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces | |
| In office June 2010 – 30 March 2011 |
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| Commander-in-Chief | Than Shwe |
| Preceded by | Shwe Mann |
| Succeeded by | Hla Htay Win |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 July 1956 Minbu, Burma |
| Political party | Union Solidarity and Development |
| Spouse | Kyu Kyu Hla |
| Children | Aung Pyae Sone Khin Thiri Thet Mon |
| Education | Yangon University (LLB) Defence Services Academy |
| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Tatmadaw |
| Branch/service |  Myanmar Army |
| Years of service | 1974–2026 |
| Rank |  Senior General (Retired) |
Min Aung Hlaing (born 3 July 1956) is a leader from Myanmar. He is a retired army general and became the President of Myanmar on April 3, 2026. Before becoming President, he held several important leadership roles in the country. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's armed forces) from 2011 to 2026. He also served as the Chairman of the State Administration Council from 2021 to 2025 and as the Prime Minister from 2021 to 2025. He also carried out presidential duties from 2024 and was the acting president from 2025 to 2026.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Min Aung Hlaing was born on 3 July 1956 in Minbu, Myanmar. His parents were teachers. His family moved to Mandalay when he was five years old. His father, Khin Hlaing, was an artist.
He passed his high school exam in 1972 in Yangon. He studied law at the University of Yangon from 1973 to 1974. In 1974, he joined the Defence Services Academy and graduated in 1977. His classmates described him as quiet and not very noticeable.
Military Service and Leadership Roles
After graduating from the Defence Services Academy in 1977, Min Aung Hlaing served in various military positions. He slowly moved up through the ranks. He was assigned to the No. (313) Light Infantry Battalion.
In 1979, he served as an Intelligence Officer during a military operation against the Communist Party of Burma. In 1989, he took part in the Battle of Wan Kha Thit. This battle was a clash between the Myanmar military and the Karen National Union (KNU).
Min Aung Hlaing was known for following military rules strictly. He later became the 19th leader of the Defence Services Academy. He gained a reputation for being firm as he rose through the ranks. His military work earned him the support of Senior General Than Shwe.
In 2002, he became the commander of the Triangle Regional Military Command. He was involved in discussions with two armed groups, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA). In 2009, he led an operation against the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). In June 2010, he became the Joint Chief of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
In 2011, Myanmar began a series of political changes. The military government stepped down after the 2010 election. On 30 March 2011, Senior General Than Shwe appointed Min Aung Hlaing as the new Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. He oversaw military changes and supported efforts to make peace with various armed groups.
In November 2011, he met with Chinese military officials. They discussed cooperation on defense. On 27 March 2012, Min Aung Hlaing spoke about the military's role in national politics. He was promoted to vice-senior general in April 2012. In March 2013, he became a Senior General, the highest rank in Myanmar's armed forces.
In 2014, a rule was changed to allow him to extend his service until 2021. In August 2015, he oversaw a military action to remove a former general, Shwe Mann, from power. This showed the military's desire to keep its influence.
Working with Civilian Government
After the 2015 election, the National League for Democracy (NLD) won by a large margin. Min Aung Hlaing continued his role as Commander-in-Chief. He focused on maintaining the military's position in the country. He also began to take on a more public role. He made public appearances at religious sites and charity events. This led to discussions about his political goals.
In January 2020, Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. They discussed cooperation between their countries. In May 2020, he made changes to senior military ranks. He promoted officers loyal to him.
In November 2020, Min Aung Hlaing raised concerns about the fairness of the 2020 election. The NLD won the election again. The military then made complaints about election results.
Retirement from Military Service
Min Aung Hlaing retired from the military on 30 March 2026. He stepped down as Commander-in-Chief to run for president. Ye Win Oo, a loyal officer, succeeded him as Commander-in-Chief.
Changes in Government Leadership
A significant change in government leadership occurred in February 2021. Min Aung Hlaing then took on new responsibilities. On 1 February 2021, he became the Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar. The next day, he established the State Administration Council (SAC) as the country's temporary ruling body.
On 1 August 2021, Min Aung Hlaing formed a caretaker government. He became the Prime Minister of the country. He also remained the chairman of the SAC.
Addressing Internal Challenges
During this period, Myanmar faced internal challenges and periods of unrest. Min Aung Hlaing met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in September 2022.
In January 2023, Min Aung Hlaing introduced a new election law. This law aimed to prepare for the next general election. He was considered a likely candidate for President. He did not give up his emergency powers when they were set to expire in February 2023. This delayed new elections.
In March 2023, Min Aung Hlaing spoke at the Armed Forces Day parade. He stated that his government would continue to address challenges from various groups. In February 2024, to address military personnel needs, a law was activated. This law required young men and women to serve in the armed forces.
In March 2024, Min Aung Hlaing claimed that young people were being misled. He also accused some powerful nations of trying to interfere with Myanmar’s affairs. In April 2023, Time magazine included him on its list of the "100 Most Influential People."
In January 2025, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continued its decision to limit Myanmar's participation in its summits. On 31 January 2025, Myanmar's military government extended the state of emergency for another six months. Min Aung Hlaing stated that stability was needed before elections could be held.
In March 2025, Min Aung Hlaing visited Moscow at Putin's invitation. They signed agreements on nuclear energy, space, trade, and education. An agreement was made to build a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing thanked Russia for its support. On 27 March 2025, he announced that a general election would be held by the end of the year. He pledged to hand over power to the winning party.
Following an earthquake in March 2025, Min Aung Hlaing invited international organizations to provide aid. On 3 April 2025, he attended the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
Presidency
On 22 July 2024, Min Aung Hlaing became acting President after Myint Swe took medical leave. He was nominated for the vice presidency on 30 March 2026. On 3 April 2026, Min Aung Hlaing was elected the 11th President of Myanmar. He received 429 out of 584 votes. Nyo Saw and Nan Ni Ni Aye were elected as vice presidents.
International Concerns
Due to international concerns about events in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing and his government faced restrictions from several countries. The U.S. Department of the Treasury placed restrictions on him in December 2019. The Government of Canada also imposed restrictions in February 2021. The HM Treasury and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom followed in February 2021. The Council of the European Union also imposed restrictions in March 2021. These restrictions included freezing assets and travel bans.
Personal Life
Min Aung Hlaing married Kyu Kyu Hla, a retired lecturer, in 1980. They have several children, including a son named Aung Pyae Sone and a daughter named Khin Thiri Thet Mon.
Political Views
Min Aung Hlaing is reportedly a supporter of Ne Win and the Burmese Way to Socialism. He previously supported privatization.
Promotions
Major General – 2008/2009
Lieutenant General – Late 2009
General – Early 2011
Vice-Senior General – Early 2012
Senior General – March 2013
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Awards and Decorations
Domestic Honors
On 17 April 2022, Min Aung Hlaing awarded himself Myanmar's two highest titles. These were the Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma and the Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu.
The Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) awarded him titles in 2019 and 2020.
Academic Titles
In June 2020, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) awarded him an honorary medal. In August 2020, the Military University of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation gave him the title of Honorary Professor. The Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences gave him an honorary doctorate in September 2020. This was for his work in strengthening the relationship between Russia and Myanmar. In February 2026, the University of Yangon awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Public Administration degree.
Foreign Honors
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Thailand: 
The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand - 2018 –
Malaysia: 
The Most Gallant Order of Military Service, Gallant Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera), Honorary Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (1st Degree), Malaysia. - 2018 – Thailand:
The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand - 2020 –
Russia: 
Medal "For strengthening the military commonwealth" (Ministry of Defense, Russia) - 2020 – Russia:
Badge of Honor of FSMTC "For the Merits in the Field of Military-Technical Cooperation" - 2023 – Russia:
The Order of Alexander Nevsky for "his valuable endeavours to develop multi-sectoral cooperation with the Russian Federation"
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Images for kids
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Demonstration in Hpa-an, Kayin State, Myanmar, 9 February 2021
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Military situation in Myanmar
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See also
In Spanish: Min Aung Hlaing para niños
